fashionweektampabay

Archive for the ‘Designers’ Category

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Well Model Behaved

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 24, 2010 at 1:23 pm

On Wednesday, September 22, Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 kicked off the annual event with a VIP Model Behavior cocktail party at Clearwater Audi, Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s 2010 presenting sponsor.

The night was filled with fashion, fun, and fast cars. As attendees sipped on Conelly cocktails and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Grillsmith, Stone Chefs and Mitchell’s Fish Market, they got to test out some of Audi’s luxury cars.

VIP guests got the chance to behave or mis-behave like a model, dressed to the ‘nines’ and were photographed in front of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s red carpet.

I spent the night chatting with Fashion Week Tampa Bay designers and models about what to expect Friday, September 24 on the runway. Although I received tons of good details, unfortunately I will be keeping lips sealed on this one. Come check out the Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 runway show at the Armature building for a night you won’t forget.

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VIP Model Behavior Soiree

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 22, 2010 at 5:45 am

It’s hard to believe that this week is Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010!!! All of our hard work of planning the event has finally paid off! This is my second year coordinating with  the Fashion Week Tampa Bay team and I can honestly say it gets better every year! Besides the runway shows, the cocktail party was my favorite event during last year’s fashion week. Talk about mingling and getting to know all of the talented fashion designers! I ate yummy hors d’oeuvres, chatted with everyone and took a ton of pictures with designers. In the great words of Rachel Zoe, “I die!” Every fashionista had a fantastic night, including myself. “The party was beyond!”

The VIP Model Behavior Soiree is Wednesday, September 22nd from 6 to 9pm. The chic and sleek automobile brand, Audi is our presenting sponsor for this year’s fashion week so the cocktail party will be held at Crown Audi in Clearwater. We will kick off Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2010 with a bang! You have been granted permission to behave like a model – meaning dress up, photo opportunities with designers and mingle with everyone in sight while drinking delicious Conelly cocktails. In addition to (oh yeah, there’s more) watching Audi car demos and eating hors d’oeuvres from Grill Smith, Mitchell’s Fish Market and Stone Chef!

The VIP Model Behavior Soiree is the first of many events! Following the cocktail soiree on Wednesday is the Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II party at Neiman Marcus on Thursday. Then Friday, September 24th is the big day – the boutique and runway shows! Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 will end on Saturday with a private invite only fashion social. Oh, I’d say it’s going to be a very busy and stylish week!

Be sure to watch the video below. Freeway Fashion, Tampa Bay Fashion Week sponsor interviewed designers, sponsors and guests during last year’s cocktail soiree. Like always Laura Hunt, stylist/image consultant/journalist/the founder of Freeway Fashion (what can’t she do?) really captured how much fun everyone had beginning fashion week with a cocktail soiree.

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Please, Direct Me to Beauty Heaven!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 18, 2010 at 8:16 am

Ever been on the search (via the internet) for a new nail salon that’s closer to home? Maybe you’ve googled, binged, and even pulled out the old yellow pages? I was without a beauty heaven, until I came across one of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s sponsors, Prettycity.com (our sponsor for the past three years – thank you!) The door opened and I saw the light. A beauty Mecca that was right at my fingertips.

At Prettycity.com, I am able to search the top local spas and salons in my city: Tampa Bay. Prettycity.com supports 30 cities in the U.S. including, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Along with searching to find my new beauty get-a-way, I’m able to read real reviews from customers about their experiences, plus likes and dislikes on particular companies. Also, the site provides printable coupons for contributing spas and salons and promotional updates in your city.

By becoming a VIPretty, you can receive special updates and attend Prettycity.com events. From now until December, PrettyCity is in partnership with Shape to help celebrate The Beauty Sample Sale. This sale touches numerous cities in the United States. Guests will sample complimentary beauty services courtesy of the world’s prettiest brands, from hair care to skin care from cosmetics to cosmeceuticals.

On my most recent search, not only did I find a new nail salon, I came across new products, celebrity tips and tricks, and consulted with Prettycity.com’s beauty experts about recommended skin care products for my skin type to prepare me for all the Fashion Week Tampa Bay events coming. I got to have my skin along with my dress looking flawless.

As you prepare yourself for Tampa’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion week Tampa Bay 2010, visit www.Prettycity.com to let them assist you with your beauty needs. See you at the show!

For more information and tickets to Fashion Week Tampa Bay, visit www.fashionweektampabay.com

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Trineice Cagua and JCagua: Perfect Swimwear

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 17, 2010 at 9:11 am

Though local department stores may decorate with pumpkins and pre-mature Christmas trees, it is always swimsuit season in Tampa Bay.  With bright sophistication and exotic sex appeal, Trineice Cagua brings excitement like no other with her line, JCagua.

With a delightful mixture of colors and prints in high-fashion cuts, the Zimbabwe collection features plenty of suits fit for any tropical princess.  One in particular features a triangle halter top with thin black stripes transcending into neon green for a bit of flavor.  The halter straps provide a thicker material of matching black stripe, looping through the top of the cup for a unique twist on the classic triangle top.  The coordinating bottom utilizes a band of neon green which melts into solid black.  This suit alone certainly provides a wonderful indication of the immense creative talent within  Trineice Cagua.

From the Brush Stroke collection, a dazzling one-piece is cut with a revealing plunge which ends in a u-shape, rather than the traditional V.  In a vibrant watercolor print, the suit is complete with a thin black belt crossing over the mid-section for a bit of grecian inspiration.

Who is the mind behind these brilliant swimwear looks?  Trineice Cagua studied at the International Academy of Design and Technology where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Marketing.  Toward the end of her degree, Trineice came to the realization that her main passion was indeed swimwear.  Driven by her love of Florida’s summers and poolside parties, Trineice founded JCagua.

Currently, Trineice is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Fashion Week where she will present exciting new styles from her line, JCagua.

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Helen Gerro Transforms Art into Fashion

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 16, 2010 at 8:13 am

Art and fashion have always been interchangeable.  In fact, couture fashion is the very definition of art.  Artist Helen Gerro has transformed her great talent from paintings into fashion.  In the eighties and nineties Gerro’s clothing line could be found in such high end department stores as Nordstrom, and was even highlighted on Oprah.  Gerro’s paintings can be found in prestigious homes and offices throughout France and the U.S.

Helen uses her incredible talent as a painter to bring her vision to life on fabric.  One beautiful gown is presented as a creative bride’s dream with colorful designs mirroring those seen in many a coveted Gerro painting.

This month Helen Gerro will leave her Gulf Coast studio to paint the runways of Fashion Week Tampa Bay with her colorful vision.  From your wall to your closet, Helen Gerro will absolutely bring a vivacious spirit into your world.

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Oh, What a Night!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 12, 2010 at 2:30 pm

We certainly had a great night of shopping, cocktails, and fashion. Fashion’s Night Out was everything and more that it set out to be. The Fashion Week Tampa Bay team and I spent our shopping night at Neiman Marcus at the International Plaza. The store was closed off and welcomed the Bay area’s most fashionable attendees.

As we sipped on pink martinis and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Capital Grill, our eyes wondered seamlessly through all the events. We started out on the first floor and tapped our stilettos to the band, 10th Concession playing in the middle of the cosmetic section of Neiman Marcus and sampled some of the upcoming fall seasons products from Chanel and Bobby Brown.

Women took playful photographs in the ladies shoe department and tried on boots for the fall.

As we worked our way upstairs, enchanted by the hundreds of white butterflies above us on the escalator to the second floor, the sound of Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ filled the room.

Neiman Marcus treated attendees by presenting a runway show that showcased some of fall’s must-have trends including fur coats, trench coats, lots of leggings and suede boots. This sure inspires one to shop!

Fashion’s Night Out is not only driven to help the fashion industry and economy, but it is shopping for a cause. By purchasing a Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt, the proceeds were donated to the NYC Aids Fund. Where will you be wearing you Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt?

Thank you to everyone who participated in Fashion’s Night Out 2010. Fashion Week Tampa Bay would like you to tell us where you spent your night shopping and about your purchases!

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Experience the Couture Movement: Essence Flowers

In Designers on September 6, 2010 at 6:15 pm

How do you introduce a designer who needs no introduction due to all of her success in fashion? Let’s see… Ladies and Gentleman… Boys and Girls… I present to you… the incredible and magnificent, Essence Flowers!

Fashion designer, Essence Flowers has put an amazing show on year after year at Fashion Week Tampa Bay. She creates magnificent pieces of art and luckily for us, these pieces of artwork aren’t plastered to a wall. They are wearable, touchable, irresistible and fashion-live-feel-loveable… the list goes on and on. She designs gorgeous couture gowns that are artistic and classy with a hint of sex appeal. In addition to the following: wedding dresses, formal wear, swim suits and accessories.  Parisian and Italian runways wouldn’t be able to ignore her breathtaking high fashion style! I truly feel like a fat kid with cake looking at her gowns. I fall in love with one piece and instantaneously want seconds!

After graduating from Tampa’s International Academy of Design and Technology, Essence has been very successful with pursing her passion for fashion career. She’s a consultant in Tampa, a buyer in St. Petersburg, a Pre-Fashion Week participant in New York City and a force behind an up and coming label in Atlanta. This talented couture designer has created magnificent pieces of art that have inspired cultures, communities, fashion lovers and critics. Her remarkable designs have been in local charity shows, fashion shows and lavish red carpet events. Fabulous celebrities have worn her clothes including the Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders. Essence designed the cheerleaders’ bathing suits for the 2010 Buccaneer Cheerleader calendar – each month contains a spirited girl looking fashionably sexy worthy of any swimsuit calendar! Congrats Essence on doing such a great job!

This will be Essence Flowers’ third year with Fashion Week Tampa Bay. Fashion is definitely her calling! Everyone including the casual eye along the runway will see this young talent’s artistic brilliance and experience the couture movement that is Essence Flowers.

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From the Classroom to the Runway

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 3, 2010 at 9:16 am

We’re just weeks away from Tampa Bay’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010! As our featured designers work long hours to finalize their Spring 2011 collections, the Fashion Week Tampa Bay blog begins the festivities virtually by introducing this year’s designers. This week the spotlight shines on Terri Funaro. A native to New York, Terri started her career as an assistant designer at Vassarette. Soon after she began designing for Vision Apparel to discover that her true love was in bridal. Her designs have been featured in major publications such as, WWD, Seventeen Magazine, Modern Bride (cover), and Brides Magazine.

Although her passion is bridal gowns, her primary goal is to inspire her students. The past 10 years she has been an instructor in the fashion department at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa. She guides her students and encourages them to have their sketches come to life while helping them define their own personal style. She mentors her students to follow the path from an idea to a finished, well-made, beautiful product.

Terri Funaro creates clothes that accent women’s best features. She feels that clothes should make women feel beautiful both inside and out. As she showcases her Spring 2011 collection in FWTB on Friday, Sept. 24 in the Fashion Tent at the Armature , be sure not to miss her evening wear and bridal separates gracefully strut down the runway leaving you feeling beautiful…right from your seats.

For more information on Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 and tickets visit www.fashionweektampabay.com

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Nina Verklas Brings Exotic Beauty to Fashion Week

In Designers, Events, Fashion on August 26, 2010 at 4:09 am

As Fashion Week approaches, the entire industry seems to morph into a wildly exciting jungle.  After browsing the fabulous collections of Tampa Bay’s own Nina Verklas, creator of Bambina by NV, I can think of no better way to describe it.

A safari theme has been used in fashion for seasons upon seasons.  However, after viewing the Resort 2010 collection from Bambina by NV, I am completely convinced of her fresh, unique vision.

One gown is completely fit for a goddess and features an exotic tribal print in luxurious fabric.  The skirt features an overlay of  shimmering gold, pleated for magnificent texture.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

Another look magically combines comfort and sex appeal in one amazingly fluid jumpsuit.  With an exotic animal print, the loose-fitting piece is cinched at the waist with a beautifully detailed belt and attached at the neck with a fabulous wooden necklace.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

Just when I thought the senses could not be tickled any further by this exotic collection, an adorable hooded dress seems to take Little Red Riding Hood from a wooded forest to a tropical jungle.  The dress reveals delicate pleats at the bust with a peek of green plaid at the sides.  Just under the bust, nude plaid transitions to the wonderfully feminine skirt.  The most exciting feature, and the reason for the fairytale reference?  In place of the usual shoulder straps sits a beautifully draped hood.

Also to be admired is a wonderfully draped pant in shimmering sand worn with a delicate sheer top which features a bit of texture and seductive plunge neckline.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

These wonderful pieces from her Resort 2010 collection offer a mere glimpse of the many creative talents of designer Nina Verklas, who will be among the featured designers at Fashion Week Tampa Bay.  In just a few short weeks, Nina will grace the runways of Tampa Bay with a whole new world of incredible fashion featuring her new 2011 Spring/Summer collection.

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Chuck Taylor Reincarnated

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on August 21, 2010 at 8:33 am

Converse was once just a ordinary canvas sneaker with a rubber sole. They were first produced in 1917 and called  the “All-star”, until being popularized by professional basketball player Chuck Taylor, which soon made the sneaker known as the ‘Chuck Taylor’ or ‘Chucks’. After years of the traditional black canvas, rubber sole with the Converse star logo on the side, the Chucks have been reincarnated with some funk.

While window shopping at my favorite shoe department: Nordie’s, I came across these all black canvas sneaker with an all black toe and a studded tongue. As I examined every detail on this trendy sneaker, I noticed a familiar star logo… OMG…these are Chuck Taylors. It didn’t stop there, Converse’s new collection had color, glitter and much more. So, I did what any shoe lover would do and tried them all on.

I tried a grey and baby pink ruffle slip on Chuck. The canvas was grey, they had no laces and pink ruffles trimming the shoe lace loops. They were very pretty and feminine. After trying on other sneakers in hot pink, glitter, studded, low and high-top, I came across the ultimate Chuck Taylor. An ‘XX Hi’ knee-high sneaker. This knee high shaft updates a classic lace-up style designed with a back zip entry for easy on-and-off wear. Talk about taking sneakers to the next level.

After driving my shoe guy Victor crazy, I decided to go with the all black canvas, black toe and studded tongue Converse. However, I still have my eye on those ‘XX Hi’ knee high sneakers. That will be on next week’s shopping list!

For more Converse styles visit www.converse.com or www.nordstrom.com